Nanofibre Rectenna Structure for Broad-Spectrum Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rectennae have limited energy conversion efficiency and are restricted to a narrow range of wavelengths, primarily microwaves and radio waves, which hinders their effectiveness in harnessing energy from a broader spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A rectenna design featuring a plate-shaped support element with two layers of electrically conductive nanofibres, one for rectification and the other for capturing electromagnetic waves, utilizing electrospinning for production and bioadhesive adhesion, allowing for increased specific surface area interaction and tunability across various wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional rectenna structures are used, then the device can convert electromagnetic energy to electric current, but the specific surface area available for interaction with electromagnetic waves is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nanofibre layers with inherently porous structures that provide extremely high specific surface area. The nanofibres are deposited to form a network of interconnected fibres with voids between them, creating a porous medium that dramatically increases the area available for electromagnetic wave interaction and energy conversion compared to traditional planar rectenna surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar rectenna surfaces to three-dimensional nanofibre networks. By depositing nanofibres in layered configurations, the device creates vertical stacking and three-dimensional electromagnetic wave interaction pathways, effectively adding dimensional complexity that increases specific surface area and improves energy capture efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rectennae are designed for specific wavelength ranges, then conversion can occur, but the range of wavelengths that can be captured is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the nanofibre-based rectenna to perform multiple functions across different wavelength ranges. By using conductive nanofibres with adjustable properties and configurations, the same basic structure can be tuned to capture microwaves, radio waves, and potentially other electromagnetic spectra, making the device universally applicable across multiple wavelength domains rather than specialized for a single range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables wavelength range adaptability by changing key parameters of the nanofibre structure, including fibre diameter, inter-fibre spacing, layer thickness, and material composition. These parameter adjustments allow the rectenna to be optimized for different wavelength ranges while maintaining high conversion efficiency, providing versatility without sacrificing productivity.
3Productivity
If the surface area is increased using nanofibres, then energy conversion performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the nanofibre structure itself. The conductive nanofibres simultaneously serve as the antenna element for electromagnetic wave capture, the rectifying element for current conversion, and the structural framework for the device. This merging of functions into a single integrated nanofibre system achieves high energy conversion performance while avoiding the complexity of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite material structures where conductive nanofibres are integrated with support matrices or combined with other functional materials. These composite constructions provide both the high surface area needed for improved performance and the structural stability required to manage device complexity, allowing the nanofibre network to maintain its configuration while delivering enhanced energy conversion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The enhanced surface area and tunability significantly improve energy conversion performance, enabling the rectenna to capture and convert a wider range of electromagnetic waves into electric current, overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a second plurality (4) of electrically conductive nanofibres deposited on the first plurality (3) of nanofibres. The second plurality (4) of nanofibres defines an antenna of the rectenna (1) configured to capture an electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
The first plurality (3) of nanofibres defines a current rectifier of the rectenna (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A rectenna for converting energy comprises a support element on which a first plurality of electrically conductive nanofibres is deposited so as to define a current rectifier of the rectenna. The rectenna further comprises a second plurality of electrically conductive nanofibres deposited on the first plurality of nanofibres to define an antenna of the rectenna configured to capture an electromagnetic wave.